A positron emission tomography scan of Brain /Head is a diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine that utilizes radiotracer agent and a PET scanner to demonstrate the functional, biochemical and metabolic activity of brain tissues.
What is Brain PET scan?
A positron emission tomography scan of Brain /Head is a diagnostic tool in nuclear medicine that utilizes radiotracer agent and a PET scanner to demonstrate the functional, biochemical and metabolic activity of brain tissues.
It is an advanced and latest technique to identify and evaluate various diseases and pathological conditions of brain. Three-dimensional images are obtained which helps in better assessment of the structure and functioning of brain tissues. It is a highly sensitive imaging modality to detect any abnormality of brain specially brain tumours and metastases.
When combined with CT/MRI scan it also provides the anatomical details together with functional details of brain. It is usually an outpatient procedure and you don’t need to stay overnight in hospital or Diagnostic center for the scan.
Why do I need a Brain PET scan?
A Brain or Head PET scan is used for identification, diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation of many disorders of brain and is indicated in a variety of clinical settings including:
1)Brain tumours.
2)Secondary metastases to brain.
3)Recurrence of brain tumours.
4)Monitoring of patients with brain tumours post-treatment and to assess prognosis.
5)Before Radiotherapy or chemoradiation.
6)To localize specific site prior to surgical approach to brain.
7)Stroke or cerebrovascular accident.
8)Dementias and conditions affecting mental functions.
9)Refractory and recurrent epilepsy.
10) Alzheimer’s disease.
11) Huntington’s disease.
12) Parkinson’s disease.
13)Infectious or inflammatory disease of brain.
14)Granulomatous disease of brain.
15) To identify bleeding/hematoma or perfusion of brain tissue after trauma/injury.
How do I prepare for Brain PET scan?
Follow these steps before going for Brain PET test:
1) Get an appointment- Schedule your appointment in a Diagnostic center having the facility of Brain PET test because it is available in limited centers.
2) Fasting- 5-6 hours fasting is required before Brain PET test. 24 hours prior to scan don’t take sugars/carbohydrate in your diet.
3) Clothing- Dress yourself in clothes as comfortable as possible and that are easy to put on and off.
4) Caffeine- For 24-hours before the scan, avoid caffeinated products such as tea, coffee, chocolates etc. It may alter test results.
5) Medications- Inform your Clinician about all drugs and supplements that you are currently taking for any disease especially Asthma and Diabetes. He may do certain modifications.
6) Pregnancy and breastfeeding- Tell your Doctor about pregnancy if you are pregnant or if you breastfed your baby so that your Doctor can evaluate the risk vs benefit ratio.
7) Smoking and tobacco- On the day of your scan, don’t smoke or chew tobacco products as nicotine present in these substances alter the test results.
8) Allergy- Inform your Clinician about prior history of allergy to any drug or medications.
9) Exercise- Don’t perform any strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your test.
10) Medical reports- Don’t forget to carry all relevant medical and lab reports along with you while going for Brain PET test. These reports may aid in better evaluation of your condition.
11) Implants- Inform your doctor about any implant in your body such as cardiac implant, inner ear implants, metallic dentures, neurostimulators or any type of hearing aids etc.
12) Claustrophobia and anxiety - If you have claustrophobia or anxiety disorder then don’t hesitate to tell your Clinician about it. He may give you sedative or some alternatives to help overcome this while performing test.
13) Take a company- Get accompanied by friend or family member to have mental, emotional and physical support and to drive you home
What is the procedure for Brain PET scan?
The procedure of Brain PET scan includes the following steps:
1) Written consent is required before the procedure begins.
2)You will be asked to remove all the metallic elements like jewellry, hearing aids, metallic hair clips, metallic underwired bras, belts, keys ,wallets , coins, cards containing metallic strips ,goggles etc.
3)You will be then asked to change your clothes and wear a gown provided by the technician assisting the procedure .
4)An intravenous injection of radiopharmaceutical agent is given to you. The most frequently used radiotracers in Brain PET scan FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) and Ga-68 (gallium-68).
5) You will be then asked to sit for about an hour to allow the radiotracer agent to get distributed to your body tissues and Brain via bloodstream.
6) If PET-CT or PET/MRI is being scheduled then you may get another intravenous injection of a contrast agent which yield high clarity images on CT/MRI scan.
7) You may be provided with head phones or ear plugs to make you feel more comfortable.
8) If you have Claustrophobia or anxiety disorder, then you may be given sedatives or some other alternatives to make you feel comfortable during the scan.
9) Before scan, your assisting Doctor will explain about all the possible adverse effects of using radiopharmaceutical or contrast material such as itching, rash, swelling etc. Your KFT report will be required to rule out any kidney disease/ pathology and to check your GFR.
10) Then you will be asked to lie supine on examination table which will slide and place you inside the scanner.
11) You need to lie still during the procedure as body movements may interfere with the quality of images produced.
12) Your Radiologist will take several images to evaluate the underlying pathology and at the end these images will be interpretated for making a definite diagnosis.
What happens after Brain PET scan?
* You will be allowed to exit the scanner room once the procedure is over.
* You may be asked to wait in observation room for some time to evaluate any possible side effects of radiotracer or contrast being used.
* Drink water to flush radiotracer or contrast material from your body.
* The whole procedure of scanning takes about 2 hours. Up to 60 minutes are required to begin the scanning procedure after giving an intravenous radioactive agent. Whereas the actual process of PET scan takes approx. 30-40 minutes. However, it may last longer depending upon the severity of your illness and associated co-morbid conditions.
* Don’t breastfeed your baby for 24 hours post injection of radiotracer.
* You will get reports on the next day. However, you may get the image films on the same day if requested by your Clinician.
What are the risks/side effects of Brain PET scan?
Brain PET scan is safe procedure. The radioactivity in the radiopharmaceutical agent is very low and it doesn’t stay for longtime in your body. Drinking water can help to flush the radiotracer faster from your body.
However, some concerns about Brain PET scan are as follows
1) Diabetic patients have low level of insulin which help in transport of glucose across cells. Insulin deficiency may lead to low absorption of FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) which may alter test results. So, inform your Doctor before test.
2) Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid certain medications and test for the safety of baby. Ask your doctor before undergoing Brain PET scan.
3) Allergic reactions to radiotracer or contrast agent, although rare but can happen in some individuals. However, these allergic reactions are usually mild.
What is the Price of Brain PET scan?
Cost of Brain PET scan generally vary with city and location. Various diagnostic and imaging centers charges differently according to the quality of services they provide and the offers currently availing in them. PET scan charges also vary with the body part which need to be examined and the type of PET scan.
Brain PET test is an advanced diagnostic and monitoring tool that is available at limited diagnostic centers as it requires costly and modern equipments and skilled Radiologists to perform the scan
To choose the best diagnostic center for Brain PET scan in Delhi. Click here!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is now offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan test.
You can avail Brain PET Scan at just
For more details, click here!
Which is the best diagnostic center for brain PET test?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the now considered the best diagnostic center for Brain PET scan in Rohini, Delhi.
We have the latest GEMINI TF PET/CT system WITH TruFlight technology, India’s first 3rd Generation Time-of-flight PET/CT (64 SLICES CT) scanner in our centers.
We are also having the facility of different types of PET scan including-
2) FDG-PET Scan
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center is a NABH and NABL accredited top diagnostic center situated in ROHINI and various other locations of Delhi. It is equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.
Currently, we are offering 50% discount on all types of PET scan.
We are open 24X7 and 365 days. You can also get free online or offline Consultation with our Senior Radiologist, Dr. Ravin Sharma regarding any imaging and scanning test.
We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR.
We are also empanelled with various departments and organizations. So you can get the services at panel rate too.
Hurry! Grab the best deals now!
To avail free online consultation with Radiologist. Click here!
To know details about PET scan. Click here!
